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Willamette University Appoints Dean Of College Of Liberal Arts

Willamette University today announced that it had
appointed Dr. Tori Haring-Smith as dean of the
College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Haring-Smith comes to Willamette after
a two-year term as executive directorof the Thomas J. Watson
Foundation and a distinguished teaching career, including 16 years
at Brown University.

"The appointment of Dr. Haring-Smith is significant to
Willamette as we continue to enrich our standing as an institution
devoted to the highest levels of academic excellence," said M. Lee
Pelton, Willamette's president. "She brings to us a wealth of
experience as both a teacher and administrator, as well as an
international reputation as a scholar of the highest caliber."

As executive director of the Watson Foundation, Dr. Haring-Smith
was responsible for coordinating the selection of 60 Watson Fellows
each year. This prestigious national fellowship identifies future
leaders and gives them an opportunity to travel and pursue their
own research for one year following college graduation. Former
Watson fellows include CEO's of international corporations,
best-selling authors, ambassadors, Broadway producers and college
presidents.

Dr. Ellen Eisenberg, chair of Willamette's Department of History
and vice chair of the dean's search committee said, "Beyond her
obvious professional qualifications, we were impressed with how Dr.
Haring-Smith interacted with both students and faculty members. She
is clearly a leader and should inspire us all."

Prior to her term at the Watson Foundation, Dr. Haring-Smith
served as chair of the Department of Performing and Visual Arts at
American University in Cairo, Egypt, and as artistic director of
the Wallace Theatre there. At Brown University, she taught in the
departments of theatre and English and was the founder and director
of the Rose Writing Fellows Program.

"The opportunity to be a part of such a vibrant academic
community is tremendously compelling to me," said Dr. Haring-Smith.
"I look forward to working closely with faculty, students and staff
to enhance the reputation Willamette enjoys as one of the nation's
premiere liberal arts institutions." Dr. Pelton noted that Dr.
Haring-Smith will fill the position created by the death of Dr.
Lawrence Cress, who served the College of Liberal Arts as dean from
1994 to 2000. Dr. Kenneth Nolley, professor of English, will
continue to serve as interim dean until July 16, 2001, when Dr.
Haring-Smith will assume her responsibilities.